Small gardens can make it seem impossible to design the perfect outdoor sanctuary, but in reality, there are many different ways to create an inviting space that looks much larger than it is.
When it comes to making a small garden look bigger, every detail matters, from your garden furniture to the plants you choose. We’ve collected the best ideas to make your small garden look great and help you create an outdoor space you can be proud of.
Blur the edges
Defining the edges of your garden instantly makes it seem small, as people’s eyes are drawn to them and they create a distinct border. Disguising the edges makes them less noticeable and can make your garden appear bigger.
You can do this by planting plants along the perimeter of your garden. Using a mix of big plants and trees, then filling gaps with smaller shrubs and flowers, will add colour and interest, while also disguising the garden’s boundaries and creating the illusion of a larger garden.
Use different textures
Using the same or similar textures throughout can highlight just how small your garden is. Avoid using grass or paving slabs alone, as this will make your garden look cramped. Instead, add interest by mixing and matching textures across plants, pots, decorations, and even garden furniture.
Ideally, you want textures that complement each other to create a beautiful display while still allowing you to use your outdoor space. An example of this could be layering potted plants on wooden stands and artfully arranging stones around them.
The best approach is to start by choosing the textures, then experiment with their arrangement to see what works best for your space and individual style.
Avoid straight paths
Straight paths are the easiest way to highlight how small a garden is, especially if your garden is slim. Instead, create an interesting walkway with a winding layout to make your narrow garden look wider
You can easily create a more interesting path using steel garden edging, which will help define the walkway from the rest of your garden. Edging is also beneficial when using elements such as gravel or wood chips, as it keeps them contained and prevents them from spreading onto your patio or lawn.
This ensures you get an attractive, low-maintenance path while still allowing you to combine textures.
Introduce different levels
Keeping everything at one level can make small gardens feel cramped, whereas introducing different levels can make them more interesting and help them look bigger.
An easy way to do this is to introduce raised decking to part of your garden, such as for a seating area or potted plants. It could also be helpful to consider adding a height element, such as a pergola, as vertical features draw the eye upward and create the illusion of more space.
However, it’s important to remember that the vertical face of any decking or platform shouldn’t be more than 20cm. One step is enough to make a big difference, but setting the level too high can make it feel as though it is looming over you, making your garden appear smaller and achieving the opposite effect.
Choose bigger features
Smaller plant pots or paving slabs may be appropriate in a small garden, but they can make the space feel more cluttered. Larger plant pots and slabs will make your garden feel less crowded as there are likely to be fewer of them, creating the impression of a bigger space.
However, mixing and matching styles can also make your garden feel smaller, even if you go for bigger features. Instead, stick to one style, such as terracotta pots, and use a few different sizes and shapes to keep things interesting while still making your garden look bigger.
Select furniture that’s in proportion
One thing you shouldn’t go big with, however, is your garden furniture. Bigger furniture will make your garden feel cramped and can undo the hard work you’ve put into it.
Instead, you should choose furniture that is in proportion to the size of your garden.
Pieces with slim profiles that fold away when extra space is needed are a good option. Bistro sets, for example, are a great choice for smaller gardens as they don’t become the focus of the space.
Alternatively, built-in garden furniture can be effective. This means your furniture will perfectly complement your landscaping while also maximising seating space.
Avoid solid walls
Solid walls and fences can make a garden look and feel cramped. While getting rid of them isn’t always an option, you can reduce the imposing effect by covering them with plants and greenery.
Installing trellises, growing trailing plants, or installing a living wall will add colour to your space, make it more inviting and help soften the edges, making your small garden look bigger.
Grow upwards
In addition to utilising wall space for plants, you should also grow upwards in other ways. Hanging baskets, tall plants, window boxes with trailing plants, and narrow trees will all help make a garden look bigger.
This is an easy option if you’re in a rented space too, as some plants – such as bamboo, which should be grown in pots to stop it from spreading – can grow fairly tall.
Plant the right colours
Another simple way to make your garden look bigger is to plant flowers in the right colour. Boldly coloured flowers, such as bright yellow, red, pink and orange, draw the eye, so if they are planted at your boundaries, your garden will seem smaller.
In comparison, using garden edging to create borders and flower beds for softer, cooler colours like pastel pink, blue, yellow, and purple can help the garden edges to fade into the background, creating a softening effect. This allows them to recede into the distance, creating the impression of a larger space.
Final thoughts
When designing your small garden, implementing these ideas can help make it look bigger and create a practical, inviting outdoor space that is perfect for use throughout the year.
Recent Comments